Disclaimer:

Drexel University accepts New York residents into this program. Clinical Rotations, however, cannot be in New York State. This will not affect New York certification and licensure.

Program

The Drexel online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares practitioners to provide a wide range of services to patients in need of mental health services across the lifespan with their families. Graduate students are educated to practice and refine higher-level competencies in the Advanced Practice Psychiatric/Mental Health role with multiple and complex patients.

Graduates are educationally and clinically well grounded in the psychopathology of different psychiatric disorders and can practice in a wide variety of settings. This program enables practitioners to provide direct care in assessments and various treatment and management modalities in addition to indirect care through consultation, case management and clinical supervision. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC's Psychiatric Mental Health Certification Examination.

What you'll learn

The PMHNP program of study expands on the baccalaureate level of the nursing’s biopsychosocial model of care. Graduate students are exposed to challenging didactic work and practice the application of diagnostic and treatment modalities in various psychiatric clinical settings across the program. Evidenced-based theories and approaches to practice are required throughout the program. Students also learn collaborative skills to work with other healthcare professionals to provide mental healthcare services.

Because students are being educated to diagnose and treat patients, this master’s program was designed to combine the convenience of online learning with the necessary rigor to become a competent and confident advanced practice nurse upon graduation. Students learn in an online format that allows for active student learning in an interactive environment.

The Psychiatric NP program provides a mandatory online orientation for the requirements of the clinical courses several months prior to the start of clinical courses.

In addition, mandatory on-campus visits occur during the following times:

2nd Year, Summer Term – students come to campus during the first clinical course for the On-Campus Intensives (OCI) for 2 days.

3rd Year, Fall Term – students come to campus during the second clinical course for 2 days for a standardized patient lab experience (SPL) and/or human patient simulation (HPS) experiences.

3rd Year, Winter Term– students come to campus during the third clinical course for the On-Campus Intensives (OCI) for 2 days.

4th Year, Spring Term – students come to campus during the fourth clinical course on the On-Campus Intensives and preparation for the ANCC Certification Exam.

*The schedule of the OCIs is prepared well in advance of the first clinical course for the purpose of student planning.

You are part of theDrexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions with access to clinical practice environments interprofessional simulated health care scenarios, and a library for educational resources.

COMPLIANCE

The College of Nursing and Health Professions has a compliance process that may be required for every student. Some of these steps may take significant time to complete. Please plan accordingly.

Admission Requirements

Degree:
Baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a National League of Nursing (NLN)-accredited program. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or above on all previous coursework or 3.25 or above on the last 60 credits of the BSN required. Minimum 1 year of psychiatric nursing experience.

Standardized Tests:N/A

Transcripts:

Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all the colleges/universities that you have attended. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the college/university seal over the flap. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.

If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency

References:
Two professional references required from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to applicant's clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study. Recommendation letters must include address, phone number, and signature of recommender. The envelope must be submitted unopened.

How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this MSN program.

Interview/Portfolio:Admissions interview may be required

CV/Resume:Required. (Note: Resume should be detailed regarding work experience including specific job experiences/responsibilities/departments)

Licenses:A copy of your current, unrestricted United States RN license or eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse. License verification from your nursing license registry website are acceptable.

Clinical/Work/Volunteer Experience:Previous related work experience may make an applicant more competitive.

Curriculum

Accreditation

CCNE: The baccalaureate/master’s program at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036 (202-887-6791)www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation